Bugonia is brimming with Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature strangeness, yet it’s one of the most grounded films of his career. This is a small-scale chamber piece that feels out of this world, thanks to expert direction and two incredible performances that bring a sharp screenplay to life.
This film is written by Will Tracy, known for his razor-sharp work on Succession and The Menu. The writing here is clever, gripping, uncomfortably funny, and true to Tracy’s previous work — filled with both subtle and blunt social commentary. It’s a script that truly allows the actors to flex their talents (not that we don’t already know what Stone and Plemons are capable of), and one that kept me locked in, second guessing my own theories until the end. With most of the film set in one location, it rarely loses momentum, and despite a runtime of nearly two hours, it’s very well paced.
Of course, a strong script needs talent to bring the words from page to screen. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons are always at the top of their game, with no exception here. The contrast between Stone’s cold, linguistically thorny CEO and Plemons’ manic, conspiracy-driven captor makes for a deliriously twisted dynamic. Stone continues her streak of fearless performances that demand a lot of physicality. She clearly understands exactly what Lanthimos is going for, and continues to deliver career-defining performances in their projects together. Plemons brings an unpredictable instability to his role, which really dials up the tension. Aidan Delbis shines in his debut role as Don, the autistic cousin of Teddy (Plemons). He brings a little levity and a lot of heart to the mix — knowing Teddy’s gone too far, but afraid to intervene.
Unsurprisingly, this is another technical knockout in Yorgos’ filmography. Re-teaming with frequent DOP partner Robbie Ryan, the use of wide lenses and long tracking shots is immaculate. Every frame feels meticulously composed but never stiff. The black-and-white flashback sequences are filled with hauntingly beautiful imagery, while Jerskin Fendrix’s score blends eerie strings with grand, orchestral swells that give the film an unexpected sense of scale. Though intimate in scope, the music injects the story with a cosmic energy that perfectly complements its themes.
Bugonia might not be as flashy or outrageous as some of Lanthimos’ recent films, but it captures everything that makes the award-winning filmmaker so boldly unique. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons clash brilliantly as they lead us through a dark, twisted, and timely rabbit hole of intergalactic conspiracy and psychological tension.
Rating: ★★★★
Review by: Benjamin Garrett